Isuzu Motors Limited (IML) and Honda Motor Co Ltd recently announced that they had signed a partnership agreement based on the decision to have Honda develop and supply the fuel cell system for the heavy-duty fuel cell truck Isuzu is planning to introduce to the market in 2027.
Isuzu and Honda believe that fuel cell technology, utilizing hydrogen as fuel resulting in no CO2 emissions, will effectively achieve carbon neutrality for heavy-duty trucks, which must address large load capacity, long-time use, long-distance driving, and quick refueling.
Fuel cell truck research
Since the signing of an agreement in January 2020 to conduct joint research on heavy-duty trucks utilizing fuel cells (FCs) as the powertrain, the two companies have been working toward the establishment of a foundation for essential technologies such as ensuring the compatibility of FCs and heavy-duty trucks and the development of vehicle control technologies.
The two companies plan to start testing of a prototype truck on public roads before March 31, 2024. By fully leveraging the experience and knowledge gained through the joint research, the two companies will continue making progress in the development of products that fulfill the performance and conditions required for heavy-duty trucks and satisfy customers.
vMoving forward, the two companies will take advantage of the respective strengths of each company and accelerate the development of clean, low-noise, low-vibration fuel cell-powered heavy-duty trucks. It will contribute to the shift toward the use of clean energy by the entire industry, including logistics businesses, with more proactive use of hydrogen energy, through which both companies will strive to achieve the shared goal—the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
2030 environmental roadmap
Meanwhile, IML has developed a roadmap to ensure steady progress toward achieving Isuzu Environmental Vision 2050. Announced in 2020, the Isuzu Environmental Vision 2050 sets out five aspirations in four action areas: Climate change, resource recycling, environmental risk management, and biodiversity conservation. The program also aims to improve the company’s environmental performance over the long term.
The 2030 Environmental Roadmap translates that vision into goals and global actions for pushing forward on decarbonization and environmental conservation in the years leading up to 2030. Isuzu is committed to minimizing its impact on the worldwide environment and doing its part to secure a prosperous and sustainable society by 2050. (Story and photos courtesy of IML)